Neutral, transparent, warm


I’m wondering if any of you could help me understand better some terms that are often used in trying to describe the sound of a speaker. And, I guess instead of trying to describe these terms which are themselves a description, can you give me some specific examples. First, is there a difference between “neutral” speaker, and one that is considered “transparent”? Second, is it that a speaker is labeled “warm” if the high frequencies are more rolled off than neutral or transparent speakers. Sorry. Too many questions, but I’d be interested in hearing from some of veteran audiophiles. If you don’t want to address that, then how about this. Let’s confine ourselves to floor standing speakers costing up to $3000. New or used. Give me one or two examples that in your opinion epitomizes “Transparent”, one or  two that are good examples of “neutral”, and a couple that are usually described as being “warm”. Thanks.

128x128pascon

Showing 1 response by deadhead1000

So, I find Harbeth to be slightly warm yet very natural/transparent. However I do not find it "Fast". I had Totem and KEF speakers and listened to many B&W's and found them to sound 'Fast" - but can I describe 'Fast" for you? Perhaps Lively is closest. I would suggest listening to as many speakers as you can and you'll eventually find adjectives that work for you.

For instance, I didn't understand a 'grainy' sound said about DAC's until I had heard enough of them and suddenly I heard one that sounded 'grainy".